The Sun Shines for Irene
Wednesday 13 May 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change.
Irene grew up in Catholic Seville, Spain, and was raised as such. However, like many in Europe, she became disillusioned with religion. New Age spirituality attracted her, and seemed a response to her search, but it did not fill the emptiness she felt.
“In my worst moments, I didn't even want to live anymore. I was coming out of a painful divorce and had sunk into depression,” shares Irene. In her anguish, she began looking for Jesus. An online search connected her with an ECMI couple in Seville.
“We have a heart for discipleship, which is a high priority at ECMI" say ECMI workers Henk and Hanneke. With a gift for hospitality, their doors were open for all, and through long, regular conversations around their table, Irene came to faith in Christ. She was baptised in the ECMers’ garden pool, surrounded by her family and friends — a joyful celebration!
At first, her family was very suspicious of her decision. Now they see in her a deep peace she had never known before.
“The change had to happen by placing my life in the hands of Jesus”, says Irene.“The sun has finally begun to shine in my life again.”
Her journey continues as she meets biweekly with Hanneke, discovering more of what it means to follow Jesus.
“The sun has finally begun to shine in my life again.”
Archive > 2026
May
- 5/13/2026 5/13/26, 12:34 PM - The Sun Shines for Irene
- 5/6/2026 5/6/26, 12:05 PM - A Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
April
- 4/29/2026 4/29/26, 1:34 PM - Faith from the Ruins
- 4/22/2026 4/22/26, 1:06 PM - Faithful Presence
- 4/14/2026 4/14/26, 12:52 PM - Searching for Hope
- 4/8/2026 4/8/26, 12:42 PM - Called? Keep going!
- 4/1/2026 4/1/26, 12:23 PM - The Triumph of the Cross
March
- 3/25/2026 3/25/26, 11:31 AM - Claremorris Church Opens Its Doors
- 3/18/2026 3/18/26, 10:55 AM - Step Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
- 3/4/2026 3/4/26, 12:27 PM - Women of Faith
February
- 2/25/2026 2/25/26, 11:48 AM - A Church Takes Root
- 2/18/2026 2/18/26, 12:05 PM - Encouraging Growth in Portugal
- 2/11/2026 2/11/26, 1:17 PM - The Heavens Declare
- 2/4/2026 2/4/26, 12:48 PM - New Neighbours
January
OUR IMPACT IN UKRAINE
Discover our impact in the Ukraine crisis and how you can be part of it.
USA MISSIONARIES: DOING OUR PART
BE PART OF GOD'S MISSION IN EUROPE
STORIES FROM THE FIELD
The Sun Shines for Irene
May - 13 - 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change. full storyA Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
May - 06 - 2026 12:05 Across Europe, many live unseen — shaped by disability, anxiety, or neurodivergence. As followers of Jesus, we are learning to notice, to listen, and to create spaces where everyone belongs. full storyFaith from the Ruins
April - 29 - 2026 13:34 When war tore through Irpin, life was shattered. Yet even amid war, God’s work continues—lives changed, churches planted, and hope restored. Discover the story. full story 
